Motorcycles ready to invade Ukiah Speedway

Vehicles with two wheels instead of four will be the stars of a new event at the Ukiah Speedway that its promoter hopes will catch on here.

"On Sunday we're going to have a practice of flat-track motorcycles' to see if they will work in Ukiah," said David Furia, who was hired last year as the racetrack's new promoter.

"I'm almost positive they will work," Furia said of the motorcycles, which have tires designed for flat, rather than hilly, courses. He said racing the cycles was popular decades ago, and the sport has recently resurfaced "around the world," including in Santa Rosa.

"It's definitely a trend that's coming back," he said. "When you talk about (the cycles) with the older generation, their eyes light up."

Furia said he's bringing in the new vehicles in an attempt to attract new audiences for the speedway.

"Basically, I'm trying to generate money for the (Redwood Empire Fairgrounds)," said Furia, who also promotes the Lakeport Speedway. "I'm scared for all fairgrounds, and I'm not sure they're all going to make it. I want to provide them revenue."

Furia, who has only been on the job in Ukiah for about six months, said he feels very hopeful for the future of the Ukiah Speedway.

"Ukiah is on its way up; we had a great year last year," he said, admitting that he was scared when he took over the racetrack, which he described as "so rundown," but he's enthusiastic for his first full racing season.

"I inherited a mess -- the place was a dive," he said. "But I got a huge, warm welcoming here, and I know we're going to fix it.

"I love my fairgrounds, and I don't want to see them go away," he continued, explaining that his new venture is a labor of love that he's poured plenty of money, time and muscle into. "But I need to the community to help support it."

Armando Miranda, a Ukiah resident and flat track racing enthusiast, said it is "one of the oldest, if not the oldest, forms of motorcycle racing in the United States" and started around the turn of the century.

Given the recent events in Sacramento, Calistoga and Santa Rosa, Miranda said an event gauging the interest in this community seemed appropriate. He said Furia also wanted to make sure the races would not adversely affect the racetrack.

"Flat-track racing is a game of nerves, horsepower, finesse and subtlety," Miranda said. "It is not uncommon to watch six motorcycles crammed into a space where normally only two would fit, sliding and rubbing against each other."

The flat-track motorcycles "practice" will begin this Sunday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. with the gates opening at 9 a.m. All types of motorcycles are allowed, but with only "Class C Traction tires." The cost is $25 per rider and spectators are admitted free.